Grief journey is individual

Dear June

I lost my lovely wife aged 74 last July and the “time thing” is not working so far.

Joan had a brain haemorrhage 20 years ago that she recovered from and as she was wheelchair bound I was her full-time carer.

I feel really down each time I return to our house as she isn’t there anymore.

Ron, Forfar. June Says

Losing a long-term partner you cared for during illness will, understandably, make you feel very lost and lonely for a time as you work your way slowly through the early stages of your grief.

Returning to an empty home is heartbreaking as there are many memories attached to the home.

Carrying on after the loss of a partner is not an easy road but the pain of their absence will lessen through time and you will learn to adapt to a new normality that will enable you to again appreciate some of the things life still has to offer.

Each grieving experience is personal and the length of time needed in order to heal will vary, dependent upon the relationship you held with the lost loved one.

Your lovely wife was your life as she depended on you so much as her full-time carer.

The “time thing” does work and will allow the pain to gradually dissipate, but this journey is individual to you and you will take as long as you need to allow you to heal in your own time.

She can no longer be with you physically but will walk with you in support as you make your way through the darkest days of your grief.